Has anyone been on the Jackson River float trip excursion or the narrated tour of Monument Valley, two of the excursions available on the National Parks tour? If so I would very much appreciate your thoughts as to whether they are worth doing and precisely what happens on them.

Thanks in anticipation.

The Monument Valley tour was by 4x4 - some of the ground was fairly rough but it was definitely worth it.  The commentary was good and we stopped off at various viewpoints for fantastic landscapes and photo opportunities - including the famous John Ford point that I'm sure you will recognise from the movies.  There was a rider dressed as a cowboy, sitting on his horse at the edge of the rock and I took one of the best photos of my life there - everyone has commented on it!  The scenery is wonderful.

You should definitely do at least one of the optional scenic flights as well, definitely worth it.  This is a fabulous tour and you will have the trip of a lifetime!

Cheers,

Bob

Loved Monument Valley.  It's as Bob says.  Only thing to add is that on the Monument Valley stops, there are Indian jewellery purchasing opportunities - bought a necklace for 10 dollars - wish I'd bought more, it's the easily the best value and with best range of any of the stops on this tour.  Wish I'd known this at the time.  

Katy

I've already booked the 4x4 tour in Monument Valley for my trip in September but I understand there's another optional flight here (as well as the Grand Canyon helicopter tour). On your tour, was there time to do both?

I remember in Alaska we were disappointed that the brilliant Artic Circle Fly/Drive tour was on the same day as the Gold mining and river boat cruise options so we had to choose. I'd love to see Monument Valley from every angle if possible. (Also - did you get to see the Devil's Tower along the way? It's not on the itinerary but I think it's been mentioned in other forum chains.

Sounds like you had fun on the Danube. Just taking up Sally's point about the money off vouchers issued at Service Stations - I think these may be Europe wide now. I've just come back from my Colditz/Stalag Luft III tour and collected a number of the vouchers along our route through Belgium, Holland, Germany and Poland. I think they are a nice touch that takes the sting out of having to pay to use the 'facilities'. 

So - how many days to Rapa Nui for you now? (Not that you are counting....)

All the best

Mandy

Yes there was time to do both the jeep ride to the viewing points and the flight.  I did the Monument Valley flight and another one (I think it was to Bryce Canyon from Monument Valley whilst the rest of the group went by bus).  I also did the Grand Canyon helicopter flight.  They were all fantastic and well worth it - I was even able to get some decent photos!

We didn't see the Devil's Tower, I think someone on another departure asked if it could be included and he was accommodated.

Less than six months till Chile and Easter Island now, very exciting!

Cheers,

Bob

I did this trip three years ago and it was my second best ever with JY (after Australia) and can endorse the replies you have received so far.

The Monument Valley tour is a must for really spectacular scenery. I almost expected John Wayne to come riding out of the sun! I went in September and had very good weather, but Jackson River was rather chilly, so definitely take a coat. Again, very worthwhile as were all the optional tours.

A spectacular holiday which you will enjoy.

I've done several helicopter flights now thanks to JY - twice at the Grand Canyon (on different tours and a different flight path) and once at Victoria Falls.  I absolutely love them - very exciting and, of course, terrific views.  I'd really recommend that you try it once - to be honest, I prefer the helicopter experience to small plane flights although the views from both were fab.

All the best,

Bob

I haven't got around to looking at the additional excursions for this trip in September so having all these thoughts from others is a great help. Now where's my list!

Final payment made.....

Regards

Sylvia

I must be one of the world's most nervous  fliers, but I have done quite a few helicopter flights, and have enjoyed them all.  It's very different,  you're  in the air before you know it.  Flying below cloud means you are too,engrossed in the scenery to remember you don't like flying. After one helicopter flight, I was hooked!

Hi, I did this trip shortly after Bob.  I don't remember a boat trip being available on my tour - memory may be fading....

Loved Monument Valley.  It's as Bob says.  Only thing to add is that on the Monument Valley stops, there are Indian jewellery purchasing opportunities - bought a necklace for 10 dollars - wish I'd bought more, it's the easily the best value and with best range of any of the stops on this tour.  Wish I'd known this at the time.  

Katy

Hi Katy

This trip was on when we went but unfortunately had to be cancelled as a storm was brewing which was a shame as was looking forward to it.

Alan

As other have said they are a must do trips. Jackson river was cancelled when I went cos of bad weather but Monument Valley was amazing. Seeing it on tv is one thing but being there brilliant. You must get your picture taken in the stagecoach.

Alan